Let the countdown begin! We’re exactly Near to out from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. While the United States won’t be competing on the international stage, there will most certainly be a Rave Green influence this summer. Román Torres (Panama), Nicolás Lodeiro (Uruguay), Gustav Svensson (Sweden) and newcomer Kim Kee-hee (South Korea) all helped their respective countries during World Cup qualifying and have a chance to make the final roster.
Here are a few important dates to keep an eye on:
TUNE-UP FRIENDLIES
Panama:
vs. Denmark (March 22)
vs. Switzerland (March 27)
vs. Northern Ireland (May 29)
vs. Norway (June 6)
South Korea:
vs. Northern Ireland (March 24)
vs. Poland (March 27)
Sweden:
vs. Chile (March 24)
vs. Romania (March 27)
vs. Denmark (June 2)
vs. Peru (June 9)
Uruguay:
vs. Czech Republic (March 23)
vs. China/Wales (March 26)
ROSTER DEADLINES
MAY 14, 2018
35-Player Release List Deadline
The Organizing Committee for FIFA Competitions expanded the provisional list from 30 to 35 players this year. Barring injuries in the next couple months, all four Sounders are expected to be included on their country’s list.
JUNE 4, 2018
Final Roster Deadline
Each country’s 23-man squad list will be set by June 4 at the latest. Torres and Lodeiro are considered locks for Panama and Uruguay, while Svensson and Kim are more likely to be on the bubble.
2018 FIFA WORLD CUP
JUNE 15, 2018
Egypt vs. Uruguay
JUNE 18, 2018
Sweden vs. South Korea
Belgium vs. Panama
JUNE 20, 2018
Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia
JUNE 23, 2018
South Korea vs. Mexico
Germany vs. Sweden
JUNE 24, 2018
England vs. Panama
JUNE 25, 2018
Uruguay vs. Russia
JUNE 27, 2018
South Korea vs. Germany
Mexico vs. Sweden
JUNE 28, 2018
Panama vs. Tunisia
